How do you react when you hear or see the phrase root canal? If you cringe or shutter, you’re not alone. In general, root canals have a negative reputation, but the truth of the matter is that a root canal in Lincoln is a positive, tooth-saving procedure. For Root Canal Awareness Week, we’re tackling common misperceptions and myths about root canals to help people better comprehend this misunderstood dental treatment.
Root canals are painful.
In many cases, when someone needs a root canal, they are experiencing severe pain. But the actual procedure is virtually painless! The most you feel is the shot that administers the local anesthetic, just like when you get a cavity filled. The common pain before the root canal has become closely associated with the procedure itself, when in reality a root canal is the very thing that relieves this excruciating pain. Especially as technology has improved, root canal therapy has only become better, more efficient, and more accurate, giving patients even better results afterward.
You don’t need a root canal if you’re not in pain.
If you feel no pain at all, you may be surprised when your dentist in Lincoln informs you that you need a root canal. This procedure is necessary when decay or damage has reached the inner layer of your tooth called the pulp, where your tooth’s nerves are housed. Usually, when the pulp becomes infected, the nerves send a distress signal to your brain, triggering painful sensations, but this is not always the case. Basically, you can consider yourself lucky if you don’t have pain.
If your X-rays show that decay or damage has penetrated your tooth to this point, then you need to have a root canal before more damage is done. Not treating tooth decay can lead to serious consequences for your oral and overall health, including additional decay on other teeth, infections, and even death.
It would better to just remove the tooth completely.
If you’re experiencing a severe toothache before you come in to the dentist’s office, you can feel desperate for relief from the extreme pain. In such a situation, tooth extraction can seem like the right answer, but it is almost always better to try to save a tooth rather than remove it. Why? Although dental implants and advancements in tooth restoration have come a long way, nothing can replace everything your natural teeth can do. For instance, they can detect the right amount of pressure to apply when chewing and biting, helping you eat more efficiently. Whenever possible, it’s in your best interest to salvage a natural tooth over extracting it.
Root canals take several appointments to complete.
In general, root canals take one appointment, maybe two if the damage is severe enough. Then, after that, your dentist places a temporary crown while your custom crown is being crafted at a dental lab. Once it’s ready, you return to your dentist’s office to have it permanently bonded in place. Sometimes, people include the restoration step with the root canal procedure itself. Keep in mind that your appointment to have your dental crown placed doesn’t count toward that total.
In the end, you don’t have to be afraid of or dread root canals. If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist for fear of a root canal, contact them right away for their next available appointment. With a root canal you can save your natural tooth and protect your oral health and overall well-being for the long term.
About the Practice
With Williamsburg Dental, patients in Lincoln have access to our eight skilled, knowledgeable dentists at six convenient locations. Each brings years of training and expertise and knows how to treat patients with a compassionate, gentle touch. We believe in performing conservative treatment when and where we can to preserve our patients’ natural smiles now and in the future. To make an appointment at one of our locations, call 402-420-2222 or click here.